Pickleball's Spanish Sensation:
The Captivating Story of Jaume Martinez-Vich
Entertaining and Irresistible on the Rise
In the vibrant world of professional pickleball, a dynamic force has emerged, captivating audiences with his electrifying play and infectious charisma. Jaume Martinez-Vich, a 30-year-old Spaniard, has rapidly ascended the ranks, establishing himself as one of the most entertaining and irresistible talents on the tour. With his powerful strokes, dazzling court movement, and an insatiable zest for life, Martinez-Vich has become a fan favorite, igniting a new level of excitement and passion for the sport.
Hailing from the picturesque island of Mallorca, Spain, Martinez-Vich's journey to pickleball stardom has been an unconventional one, defying conventional paths and embracing the thrill of the unexpected. In Episode 22 of the The MaryGoRound Podcast, hosted by professional player Mary Brascia, Jaume candidly shared his remarkable story, offering a rare glimpse into the mind and spirit of a true sporting maverick.
(NOTE: This post is also available in Spanish: El Podcast The MaryGoRound: Jaume Martinez-Vich, Profesional del Pickleball)
1. 0:00, The MaryGoRound Podcast Introduction
As the interview commenced, Brascia warmly welcomed listeners to the 22nd episode of her popular podcast, powered by Selkirk Sport, a leading pickleball equipment brand. She highlighted the company's exceptional line of pickleball nets, catering to players of all levels, from casual enthusiasts to competitive professionals.
2. 2:33, Hello Jaume
The charismatic Jaume made his entrance, radiating his trademark energy and enthusiasm. Despite being notorious for his dislike of early mornings, he assured Mary that he was wide awake and ready for their conversation, having woken up early to fetch his car from the airport.
3. 3:05, Your car
Jaume's car had been sent from Hawaii to the mainland, a testament to his constant travels as a professional player. With plans to train at Los Caballeros Sports Village and stay in Newport Beach, his day was already shaping up to be a whirlwind of activity.
4. 3:35, Recent success
Mary congratulated Jaume on his recent success, particularly his impressive run to the finals in men's doubles at the North Carolina tournament with partner Augie Ge. Jaume humbly acknowledged that he had always believed in his ability to excel in doubles, but it took time to put all the pieces together and fully integrate his singles game into the doubles format.
5. 4:55, What Jaume is working on in doubles
When asked about his focus in doubles, Martinez-Vich revealed that he had been watching a lot of film, studying the patterns and strategies employed by top professionals. This approach, combined with his strong tennis background, has been instrumental in developing a deeper understanding of doubles positioning and shot selection.
6. 6:18, The Jaume Martinez-Vich Podcast
Mary playfully suggested that Jaume should start his own podcast and YouTube channel to share his wealth of knowledge and advice with the pickleball community. While intrigued by the idea, the ever-busy Jaume admitted that the commitment might be too much for his current lifestyle on the road.
7. 6:41, Always On the Go/ Working on the MaryGoRound Shot
Martinez-Vich's hectic travel schedule was a recurring theme, with Brascia recalling their attempts to coordinate practice sessions and her efforts to teach him her signature "MaryGoRound" shot. Despite his initial struggles, Jaume's willingness to learn and adapt has been a hallmark of his success.
8. 7:26, A Day In The Life
Mary inquired about a typical day in the life of Jaume, to which he candidly admitted that his days are largely unplanned and spontaneous. Whether competing or not, his schedule is constantly in flux, driven by last-minute decisions and opportunities that present themselves along the way. (PicklePod Feb. 2024: A Day In the Life Of Jaume Martinez-Vich)
9. 8:33, Playing with Tyson and Mary At The LA Open
With the PPA Los Angles Open on the horizon, Martinez-Vich expressed his excitement about playing both mixed doubles with Mary and men's doubles with Tyson McGuffin. He praised Brascia's home club and the Southern California pickleball community, anticipating an electric atmosphere and the opportunity to compete alongside his training partners.
- Men's Doubles Gold Medal Match: Ben Johns/Collin Johns vs Tyson McGuffin/Jaume Martinez-Vich
- Mixed Doubles: Jaume Martinez-Vich/Mary Brascia vs Allyce Jones/Tyler Loong
10. 10:10, Will Jaume go surfing?
As the conversation turned to Martinez-Vich's plans for the weekend, Brascia playfully inquired if he would be indulging in some surfing, a popular activity in the area. Martinez-Vich revealed his envy for his friends, Kalen and Kento, who had recently gone surfing in San Diego, and expressed his willingness to catch some waves if his schedule permitted.
11. 10:39, Jaume's background
Delving into Jaume's background, the interview explored his upbringing in Mallorca, Spain. He painted a vivid picture of a carefree childhood, reminiscent of a free spirit, where he and his friends would roam the streets, play soccer, and embrace the island lifestyle.
12. 13:51, Playing with Nadal
In a surprising revelation, Jaume shared that he had the opportunity to hit with tennis legend Rafael Nadal during his early career. While awestruck by Nadal's talent, the encounter also made Martinez-Vich realize that he was unlikely to reach the same heights in professional tennis.
13. 15:08, Will pickleball be played on clay?
Given Jaume's clay court background in tennis, Mary posed a thought-provoking question: could pickleball ever be played on clay surfaces? Martinez-Vich expressed skepticism, imagining the challenges of the ball's unpredictable bounce on such a surface, but remained open to the possibility of unexpected innovations in the sport.
14. 15:33, Living and playing tennis in Hawaii
The conversation then shifted to Jaume's time living and playing tennis in Hawaii. He recounted how, after a brief stint as a professional tennis player, he received an offer to pursue his tennis career in college. However, due to NCAA rules, he was ineligible for Division I play, prompting him to choose the University of Hawaii for its idyllic lifestyle and laid back atmosphere. (2016 Hawaii News Now: HPU tennis player goes from the streets to an All-American)
15. 17:32, Hawaii Highlights
Jaume fondly reminisced about the highlights of his time in Hawaii, citing the similarities between the local lifestyle and his carefree upbringing in Spain. The relaxed pace and welcoming nature of the people resonated deeply with his free-spirited personality.
16. 18:23, Finding pickleball
One of the most captivating parts of the interview centered around Jaume's introduction to pickleball. He recounted how, after graduating from college, he stumbled upon the sport while watching his former tennis opponent, Pablo Tellez, compete on television against Tyson McGuffin. Intrigued, Martinez-Vich signed up for the 2022 PPA Takeya Showcase in California, borrowed a paddle, and, to his surprise, advanced to Men's Singles quarterfinals and played against Tyson McGuffin in his first-ever event – a pivotal moment that set him on his pickleball journey.
17. 21:02, Favorite tournament memory
When asked about his favorite tournament memory, Jaume reminisced about the Dallas event that hosted both the Major League Pickleball (MLP) and the 2023 USA Pickleball National Championships. Not only did he achieve impressive results, but he also had the opportunity to meet the founder of his sponsor, SixZeroPickleball, and reunite with a Spanish friend who had coached him in both tennis and pickleball.
18. 23:13, Balance of focus vs having fun,
Addressing the delicate balance between maintaining focus and having fun on the court, Jaume acknowledged that he is still working on finding the right equilibrium. While his entertaining antics and crowd interactions sometimes lead to costly mistakes against top opponents, he embraces the opportunity to create memorable highlights and keep the sport enjoyable.
19. 24:46, Crowd Coaching
Jaume reflects on the importance of keeping the game fun and engaging with the crowd. He shares a moment from a match in Houston where he was casually conversing with spectators, highlighting how he enjoys maintaining a high level of play while still having fun.
Jaume admits that he's not overly nervous during matches because he tends to overthink if left to his own devices on every point. Instead, he's open to crowd suggestions, preferring to ask for advice on what to do next rather than over-analyze.
He emphasizes his willingness to accept input from anyone present, demonstrating his openness to crowd coaching. This insight offers a glimpse into Martinez-Vich's relaxed approach to the game, showing how he balances competitive drive with enjoyment.
20.25:33, Get To Know You Questions - This Or That
In a lighthearted moment, Mary introduced the "This or That" game, where Jaume had to choose between various options. His responses revealed his preferences for EDM music, Thai food, dinner over breakfast, and, surprisingly, his aversion to coffee. When asked if he was more of a talker or a listener, Martinez-Vich admitted to being both, preferring to listen when it comes to complaints or personal matters.
He expressed a fondness for cruises over camping, opting for the luxurious amenities of a ship. When it came to entertainment, he chose concerts over sporting events, revealing his desire to see Bad Bunny perform live again after recently attending one of his shows.
Transitioning to academic subjects, Jaume favored science over math. And in a lively exchange about artistic pursuits, he emphatically chose dancing over singing, reminiscing about a couple of dance classes he took in his youth, inspired by his then-girlfriend's passion for the art form.
21. 29:54, Karaoke song,
As the interview drew to a close, Mary posed a playful challenge: if Jaume were to win a gold medal on the PPA tour and celebrate at a karaoke bar, which song would he perform? Without hesitation, he declared his choice – "Runaway Baby" by Bruno Mars – much to Brascia's delight, who envisioned a lively post-tournament celebration filled with music and camaraderie.
In a heartfelt conclusion, Martinez-Vich expressed his deep appreciation for the overwhelming support he receives from pickleball fans and spectators. Their kindness, enthusiasm, and constant encouragement fuel his passion for the sport, keeping him motivated and striving for excellence. It is this genuine connection with his audience that has endeared him to pickleball enthusiasts worldwide, solidifying his status as a true entertainer and ambassador for the game.
As the pickleball community continues to grow, Jaume Martinez-Vich stands as a captivating figure, pushing boundaries, defying conventions, and infusing the sport with an infectious energy that transcends mere athletic prowess. His journey from the sun-drenched streets of Mallorca to the highest echelons of professional pickleball is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and an unwavering zest for life – qualities that have made him a true sensation in the world of pickleball.
Jaume Martinez-Vich Highlight Reel (2023-March 2024)
Video: DUPR-Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating - Jaume Martinez Vich - his road to becoming a Pickleball Pro (April 2024)
Summary:
Pickleball's Spanish Sensation: The Captivating Story of Jaume Martinez-Vich
In the rapidly growing world of professional pickleball, one player has emerged as a true force of nature, captivating audiences with his electrifying play and irrepressible charisma. Jaume Martinez-Vich, a 30-year-old Spaniard hailing from the idyllic island of Mallorca, has taken the pickleball circuit by storm, establishing himself as one of the most entertaining and irresistible talents on the tour.
Martinez-Vich's journey to pickleball stardom has been anything but conventional, defying traditional paths and embracing the thrill of the unexpected. In a candid interview with fellow pro Mary Brascia on her popular "MaryGoRound Podcast," Martinez-Vich offered a rare glimpse into his remarkable story, painting a vivid picture of a true sporting maverick.
Born into a carefree childhood in Mallorca, Martinez-Vich's early years were defined by a free-spirited lifestyle, roaming the streets with friends, playing soccer, and embracing the island's laidback rhythm. It was this same spirit that later drew him to the idyllic shores of Hawaii, where he pursued a college tennis career, captivated by the state's relaxed way of life.
Martinez-Vich's introduction to pickleball was serendipitous, stumbling upon the sport while watching a former tennis opponent compete on television. With little knowledge of the game, he borrowed a paddle and entered a tournament in California, defying all odds by advancing to the quarterfinals in his inaugural event – a pivotal moment that set him on his pickleball journey.
Since then, Martinez-Vich's rise has been meteoric, punctuated by impressive runs at major tournaments, including a recent finals appearance in men's doubles at the North Carolina event. His success, he attributes, is rooted in a relentless pursuit of understanding the intricacies of doubles play, fueled by a tireless work ethic that includes studying film and patterns employed by top professionals.
Yet, it is Martinez-Vich's infectious on-court persona that has truly endeared him to pickleball enthusiasts worldwide. With his powerful strokes, dazzling court movement, and an unapologetic zest for life, he has become a fan favorite, unafraid to engage with spectators, crack jokes, and turn every match into a captivating spectacle.
Despite his undeniable talent and competitive drive, Martinez-Vich remains true to his free-spirited roots, embracing the delicate balance between maintaining focus and having fun on the court. His entertaining antics and crowd interactions, while occasionally leading to costly mistakes against top opponents, are a testament to his unwavering commitment to keeping the sport enjoyable for all.
Off the court, Martinez-Vich's charm and charisma shine through, as he candidly discusses his love for cruises, EDM music, Thai food, and an aversion to coffee – revealing a multifaceted personality that extends far beyond the boundaries of the pickleball court.
As the pickleball community continues to grow, Jaume Martinez-Vich stands as a captivating figure, pushing boundaries, defying conventions, and infusing the sport with an infectious energy that transcends mere athletic prowess. His journey from the sun-drenched streets of Mallorca to the highest echelons of professional pickleball is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and an unwavering zest for life – qualities that have made him a true sensation in the world of pickleball. (Pickleball Magazine January 2024)
2:33 Hello Jaume
3:05 Your car
3:35 Recent success 
4:55 - What Jaume is working on in doubles 
6:18 The Jaume Martinez-Vich Podcast
6:41 Always On the Go/ Working on the MaryGoRound Shot 
7:26 A Day In The Life
8:33 - Playing with Tyson and Mary At The LA Open
10:10 - Will Jaume go surfing? 
10:39 - Jaume’s background 
13:51 - Playing with Nadal 
15:08 - Will pickleball be played on clay 
15:33 - Living and playing tennis in Hawaii
17:32 Hawaii Highlights
18:23 - Finding pickleball 
21:02 - Favorite tournament memory 
23:13 - Balance of focus vs having fun 
24:46 - Crowd Coaching 
25:33 Get To Know You Questions - This Or That
29:54 - Karaoke song 
Pickleball's Irresistible Maverick: Jaume Martinez-Vich's Captivating Journey Multiple Choice Quiz:
1. What is Jaume Martinez-Vich's country of origin? a) Italy b) Spain c) France d) Portugal
2. Which sport did Martinez-Vich pursue before discovering pickleball? a) Basketball b) Soccer c) Tennis d) Golf
3. Where did Martinez-Vich attend college and play tennis? a) University of Hawaii b) University of California, Los Angeles c) University of Miami d) University of Texas
4. How did Martinez-Vich first learn about pickleball? a) He saw it on a TV commercial b) A friend introduced him to the sport c) He stumbled upon a tournament while on vacation d) He watched his former tennis opponent playing on TV
5. In which tournament did Martinez-Vich make his pickleball debut? a) PPA Masters b) APP Tour event c) A local 5.0 tournament in California d) The US Open Pickleball Championships
6. Which player did Martinez-Vich face in one of his first professional pickleball matches? a) Ben Johns b) Tyson McGuffin c) Julian Arnold d) Kyle Yates
7. What is one of Martinez-Vich's strategies for improving his doubles game? a) Extensive weight training b) Studying film and watching top professionals c) Hiring a personal doubles coach d) Playing singles matches only
8. Which music genre does Martinez-Vich prefer? a) Rock b) Country c) EDM d) Classical
9. What is Martinez-Vich's go-to meal? a) Breakfast b) Lunch c) Dinner d) He doesn't have a preference
10. According to the article, what is one of Martinez-Vich's favorite aspects of the pickleball community? a) The high prize money b) The intense competition c) The support and enthusiasm from fans d) The opportunity to travel the world
11. Which tennis legend did Martinez-Vich have the chance to hit with during his early career? a) Roger Federer b) Rafael Nadal c) Novak Djokovic d) Andy Murray
12. If Martinez-Vich were to win a gold medal at a pickleball tournament, which song would he sing at a karaoke bar? a) "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen b) "Runaway Baby" by Bruno Mars c) "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars d) "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey
13. What did Martinez-Vich enjoy most about living in Hawaii? a) The warm weather b) The relaxed lifestyle, similar to his upbringing in Spain c) The beautiful beaches d) The abundance of tennis courts
14. How does Martinez-Vich describe his typical day when not competing? a) Highly structured and planned b) Spontaneous and full of last-minute decisions c) Focused solely on training and recovery d) Busy with endorsement obligations
15. Which activity does Martinez-Vich prefer over singing? a) Writing poetry b) Painting c) Dancing d) Playing video games
Answer Key:
- b) Spain
- c) Tennis
- a) University of Hawaii
- d) He watched his former tennis opponent playing on TV
- c) A local 5.0 tournament in California
- c) Julian Arnold
- b) Studying film and watching top professionals
- c) EDM
- c) Dinner
- c) The support and enthusiasm from fans
- b) Rafael Nadal
- b) "Runaway Baby" by Bruno Mars
- b) The relaxed lifestyle, similar to his upbringing in Spain
- b) Spontaneous and full of last-minute decisions
- c) Dancing
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